In the last two blogs, we have seen the huge difference between how we handle fear versus how we handle anger. Let us now consider what to do with the heavy emotion of sadness. This emotion, if not handled correctly, can lead to progressively deep depression. What begins as sadness can also develop into a desire to isolate, or to resort to a coping skill that will seem to help numb the pain. How does the Bible lead us to face this emotion? First, it is important to know that God’s Word encourages us to express our sadness, not to hold it in or try to ignore it. Sadness (also seen as grief from different types of loss) is often accompanied with an unexpected sense of exhaustion. Time passes slowly and painfully when we are “sad”. Prayer serves us well here. Crying out to God… expressing the hurt and the love you have for that person, job, home, or whatever you have lost, will provide relief and comfort. In the Bible Job prayed an example prayer for us when we are hurting; “I trust You, and I accept the fact that You give and take away. I acknowledge that You are Sovereign and are completely in control. I do not understand all that You are doing, but I want You to remove the dross in me and make me to be like gold that is refined.” We must pray that God will use our sadness and losses to make us more like Jesus! As we learn how to identify and respond to one main emotion, we will soon understand and be able to address the cluster and multiple emotions that situations can stir. You will find that you are experiencing deeper wisdom and peace in your heart than ever before. Take one step at a time, and be sure to not get ahead of God’s pace for your life!
